Program Coordinator - Appalachian Center for Equality (ACE)

Description

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of many backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.

Join Our Team! Make A Difference.

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of many backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                                             Program Coordinator – Appalachian Center for Equality (ACE)

JOB CATEGORY:                                           Exempt (Salary)

STATUS:                                                         Full-Time

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT:                            Specific Term (Two years)

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:                                 Program Director – Appalachian Center for Equality (ACE)

REGION/UNIT:                                             US South           

LOCATION:                                                    West Virginia with frequent travel to Charleston and southern areas of the state. Hybrid.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:                          June 1, 2025

For consideration, please attach your Cover Letter and Resume to the online application in addition to answering the Application Questions.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION

The aim of the Appalachian Center for Equality (ACE) is to improve the economic opportunities and conditions for young people in the southern West Virginia coalfields and throughout the state via systemic changes influenced by youth-led community and policy advocacy projects. Key responsibilities include the planning and coordination of ACE youth mentorship cohorts; organizing programming within the program and in coordination with other AFSC programs; and ensuring that the ACE is fulfilling its mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Work with the Program Director and coordinate part time staff to maintain a viable program that focuses on young people and seeks to improve their economic opportunities and conditions in the southern West Virginia coalfields through systemic changes influenced by youth-led community and policy advocacy and organizing projects, including: Coordination of recruitment and retention of high school youth; convening and facilitating hybrid meetings; planning /implementing /evaluating of youth led local projects, events and trips in coordination with the Program Director and part time staff; coordination of support work for alumni in coordination with the director and part time staff.
2. In coordination with the program director, coordinate regular meetings with at least three county-based high school cohorts including in southern West Virginia, meetings and workshops with alumni networks, and plan / coordinate program events in collaboration with the Program Director and part time staff.
3. Support external leadership coaches in day-to-day program activities and report to the Program Director.
4. With the Program Director and part-time mentors, maintain good working relationships with school and community partners.
5. Work with the Program Director, West Virginia Economic Justice staff, South Region management, and the AFSC committees to engage in effective program planning.
6. Work collaboratively with the Program Director on program communications, including partner email updates, website /blog development, and maintaining and growing ACE’s online social media presence.
7. Support the Program Director’s financial oversight and budget management by assisting with grant expenditure tracking, monthly expense reporting, researching grant opportunities, and building funder relationships.
8. In coordination with the Program Director, utilize youth-led program best practices for reporting / data monitoring including by tracking outcomes of youth-led projects and initiatives and documenting program activities through photos and videos (ensuring minor consent at all times).
9. Participate in Program Committee meetings, and assist the Program Director in recruiting and sharing updates with Committee volunteers and partners.
10. Participate in AFSC thematic networks, the global AFSC youth network, and - and in coordination with the Program Director - serve on youth-focused networks, campaigns and initiatives involving structural change work most relevant to youth in West Virginia.
11. Participate as a team member through regular attendance at regional and all-staff meetings.
12. Support the Program Director in identifying and creating opportunities for collaboration with other AFSC programs, including programs in the youth network and in relevant thematic areas, facilitate ACE youth participation in national and international advocacy and organizing opportunities.
13. Working with the Program Director, identify and attend relevant youth safety and skill-building trainings and professional development.
14. Participate in thematic-based meetings and convenings related to the development and implementation of collaborative and synergistic work within each of the themes in which the program is engaged.
15. Participate and support the implementation of strategic, theme-based, collaborative and synergistic efforts that intersect and/or are complementary with ongoing local program work.
16. Support Program Director and Regional Management in fundraising and community engagement.
17. Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
18. Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
19. Perform other duties assigned by the Program Director, Regional Director or Associate Regional Director as requested.

SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Directly or indirectly supervises employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training and engaging employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
2. Minimum 5 years in relevant experience including project / team management and leading groups. Non-profit and youth experience is a plus.
3. Demonstrated verbal and written communication and time-management skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to work with youth.
5. Experience working with diverse groups of people.
6. Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, to plan and implement tasks with minimum supervision, and to respond quickly and effectively to unplanned activities.
7. Knowledge and expertise in issues affecting diverse communities in West Virginia, e.g. rural populations, communities of color, LGBTQ identities.
8. Experience in basic budget development and management is a plus.
9. Demonstrated ability to work in coalition with partner organizations and other professionals.
10. Demonstrated ability to advocate on issues impacting the communities we serve.
11. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
12. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to use consultative decision-making processes.
13. Initiative, creativity, patience, drive, energy, ability to listen and a sense of humor.
14. Valid driver's license or independent ability to travel within West Virginia and to occasional regional and organizational meetings. (This position is a hybrid role with both in-person and remote work).
15. Competency with social media, basic website management, word processing. Video and audio editing and constituent relationship management (CRM) skills are a plus.
16. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
17. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION

The AFSC offers a competitive Total Rewards package.  This position is Salary Family: Program. Job Code: Program Coordinator 2. Salary range Depending upon experience, starting at $59,000 annually. Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, STD & LTD, defined benefit pension plan, 403b match, plus other benefits including vacation, PTO, sabbaticals, extended leaves, holidays, participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity within our organization. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented.

AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities.  The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Position duties and expectations change over time.  This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exclusive or exhaustive list of the job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.  The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. If there is ever a time that you are unsure what is expected of you, you are expected to meet with your manager and ask questions. If you are unsure how to perform a certain task, ask your manager before performing.